Type Name:

MONTELUPO POLYCHROME

Category:

MAJOLICA

Production Origin:

ITALY

Production Date Range:

1500-1575

Defining Attributes:

Cream-colored chalky paste, with relatively thick, heavy vessel walls.

Background enamel is thick and off-white, often with a pinkish cast, and has a low-gloss surface.

Polychrome designs are painted in bright orange, yellow, blue, and black-outlined yellow. Green is occasionally used.

Vessel Forms:

BOWL
BRIMMED PLATO

Comments:

Three design categories are known for Montelupo Polychrome. The most common consists of alternating geometric bands, which may cover the vessel, or occur in combination with central medallion elements. A second variety has a dark blue ground on the marly, painted with very fine line white spirals, stars and loop designs. A third variety has an intricate pattern of scrolls, loops, lines and floral elements around the marly, and a checkerboard or floral central medallion design.

Published Definitions:

Lister and Lister 1982: 71-72, Deagan 2002: 69